When Windstar Cruises announced its 2026 Around Iceland solar eclipse cruise, 90% of their cabins filled within a month. Since then, both 2026 solar eclipse sailing excursions sold out, according to a representative at Windstar. As cruise lines compete to provide unique experiences for astro-tourists around the world, travelers are ready to book.
The rarest show in the universe is coming, and cruise lines already have your front-row seat reserved. Photo credit: Holland America Line.
Between 2022 and 2024, United Kingdom-based New Scientist Discovery Tours increased capacity on its eclipse-themed adventures by 724%. Suffice it to say, solar eclipse tourism is having a moment.
Benefits of watching a total solar eclipse from the water include the ability to adjust location when needed and access to experts for added education and viewing. Some voyages include themed culinary offerings and other activities. Additional cruise lines offering solar eclipse voyages include Holland America Line, Seabourn, Princess and Oceania Cruises.
The path of totality
Rick Fienberg, project manager of the American Astronomical Society's Solar Eclipse Task Force, is an avid skywatcher who has viewed 11 solar eclipses at sea and counting. "There are three main considerations when deciding where to view a total solar eclipse: First, you want to be within the narrow path of the Moon's dark shadow, or "umbra," which is typically thousands of miles long but only about 100 miles wide. Second, you want to be as close to the point where totality lasts the longest, which is along the central line of the path and roughly halfway between the two ends of the path. Third, you want to be in a spot with good weather prospects, that is, a high likelihood of clear skies when totality occurs," Fienberg says.
Cruises are especially useful for repositioning due to changes in weather or visibility issues. Fienberg continues, "Many people seem to think that a 99% solar eclipse is 99% as good as a total solar eclipse, but that's not at all true. There is no such thing as 99% totality. You're either inside the path, with a 100% total solar eclipse, or outside the path, with no total eclipse at all and only a partial eclipse."
Astronomy at sea
In addition to positioning ships for the best clear views, Holland America Line announced the team of astronomy experts who will join its three solar eclipse cruises in 2026. "By welcoming three distinguished astronomy experts aboard, we're offering our guests not only front-row views to a rare phenomenon, but also the opportunity to deepen their understanding in an enriching setting," said Joe Chantry, vice president of entertainment and enrichment for Holland America Line.
Enrichment on Holland America Line solar eclipse cruises includes providing specialized protective equipment such as safety glasses for safe viewing, themed activities and themed culinary offerings throughout the day of the solar eclipse.
Unexpected perks of themed cruises
"A key feature of eclipse cruises is that most passengers are there especially for the eclipse, so you meet a lot of people with a keen interest in science, nature and beauty -- often running into people you've traveled with to earlier eclipses," Fienberg said, recalling a recent cruise near Mazatlán.
On that cruise, the passengers had to choose between making their port of call or sailing west to find more favorable conditions. The guests chose to skip the port. Fienberg recalls, "The next day we experienced the entire solar eclipse under a clear blue sky -- from the moon's first bite out of the sun, through nearly four minutes of totality, to the moon kissing the sun goodbye."
Additionally, each cruise has opportunities to experience multiple ports of call with excursions and optional tours.
Solar eclipse dates
The 2026 eclipse will cross the north polar region and end in Spain. The 2027 eclipse will begin over the Atlantic Ocean, move across Southern Spain and Morocco, then continue across North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula before passing over Somalia and the Indian Ocean. The 2028 eclipse will begin over the Indian Ocean, cross eastern Australia and southern New Zealand, and move into the South Pacific.
"The experience is so moving that many who witness a total solar eclipse become 'eclipse chasers,' people who travel incredible distances to experience totality once more," said Bruce Betts and Sarah Al-Ahmed of The Planetary Society.
When to book a solar eclipse cruise
Princess Cruises added a third sailing in August 2026 to accommodate more eclipse viewers. Guests will gather on the top decks with viewing glasses provided by the cruise line. Astronomy experts will lead programs, and themed food and drinks will be available. Additional activities include nighttime stargazing and solar system trivia. Passengers are welcome to bring personal telescopes on deck and may wear eclipse-themed apparel and accessories.
Cruises for 2027 and 2028 are already available for booking, and if past years are any indication, the early bird gets the total eclipse.
Cruise ships offer mobility, expert guidance and a clear path to witness one of nature's rarest events, ensuring that all eyes will be on the sky. From themed dining to astronomy lectures, travelers who book early find the best way to view this spectacle may be from the deck of a ship.
Andrea Updyke is a food and travel writer at Just is a Four Letter Word, where she shares easy recipes and family travel tips. When she isn't traveling, Andrea loves spending time with her husband and two teenage sons in Raleigh, N.C.
The post Cruise lines bet big on solar eclipse demand appeared first on Food Drink Life.
FOX41 Yakima©FOX11 TriCities©